Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre (also known as Ford's Opera House) is a historic theatre in Washington, D.C., used for various stage performances beginning in the 1860s. It is also the site of the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. After being shot, the fatally wounded president was carried across the street to the Petersen House, where he died the next morning.

The theatre was later used as a warehouse and office building. It was renovated and re-opened as a theater during the 1960s. During the 2000s it was renovated again, opening on February 12, 2009, in commemoration of Lincoln's bicentennial.

The Petersen House and the theater are preserved together as Ford's Theatre National Historic Site.

Ford's Theatre is located at 511 10th Street, NW.

Events

In March, 1879, the Harry Kellar had booked into Ford's Opera House in Washington, D.C., only to find that Robert Heller had "burned up the spot" with his show a few weeks before. Kellar, needing to do something to attract people decided to give a Sunday evening lecture on spiritualism which was a great success.